Wanna curb late night snacking?

So there I am at night in-front if my computer. I’m tired, but want to carry on and get more stuff done. The more tired I get my body wants energy to keep it awake; it’s then that those cravings creep in…hmmm for something salty! So in efforts to be ‘good’ I go for a bag of 100 cal popcorn. Bad habit I’ve gotten into. Why bad? Because it’s late at night – I’m not hungry - I only want it because I’m tired. And because it’s becoming a little too regular, and this is pure carbs. Carbs are your body’s quick source of energy;- so if all I’m doing is going to sleep then my body won’t have chance to burn them off and so will store that excess energy supply …as fat! Remember that snacks can add up, and its only takes 500 cals of unused cals a day to add on 1lb/week. This can easily add up to 4/5lbs in a month and so on.
It’s that mindless eating, the strong late night cravings, when our discipline is low. It’s all OK if you know how much your body needs. It’s knowing that difference – knowing your body. For me…I either need to stop or find a better alternative.
How do I break that habit? Either decide to just go to bed. Or by having some basic knowledge about carbs/fat/cals etc and knowing that this late night snack is – carb-wise - more than my entire breakfast, or equivalent to a healthy lunch/dinner for me. THIS is the wake-up call I need to stop.
In addition, often such late night eating can lead to bloating/gas during the night. Also, it can mean we’re not hungry for breakfast and that may lead some of us to skip that meal…BAD IDEA!!
So if you have to give into that craving – try small portions of exactly what you crave. Or try healthier options such as peanut butter and apple slices, veggies & hummus dip, low fat cheese slices, cup of broth…or maybe a cup of iced water – as hunger often hides thirst. Even a diet soda can give your taste buds that flavor they’re seeking.
Try and switch your brain onto something else..what you're working on, a TV programme, what your plans are tomorrow or at the weekend. often just waiting 10mins can lessen the urge.

What food cravings do you give into late at night? And have you found ways to make them healthier or stop?